Abstract:
This dissertation is about the importance of the circle, which is the name given to a
group of persons that base their individual and collective actions in search of
behavioral and social changes. Two kinds of circles will be discussed here: the
World Social Forum as a discussion space of the concerns that afflict humanity,
with the perspective of pointing ways for social well being of the people; and the
Pedagogical Circles, when they are used to promote significant learning coming
from interactivity among pairs, especially in text production and analysis. These
two kinds of circles are studied from the possibility of strengthening human values
and to help in the construction of a more just and cooperative society, less
individualist and competitive. In this perspective the circles are seen as
contraposition ways against individualism, in the sense of selfishness or
egocentrism. About the World Social Forum, its objectives will be pointed out as
well as its importance in the global context as the biggest world circle based on the
slogan another world is possible . About the circles dedicated to learning, called
here pedagogical, the circle method which results from constant practice directed
to participative text analysis and production and that reveals its importance as a
meaningful way of learning will be described. There are also presented the results
obtained from using the method with a group of university students, based on
specific criteria. The method of the circle was evaluated by the persons that have
tried it, through questions that allow observing if the technique helps in teaching
and learning and contributes to tighten relationships as well as structuring a more
cooperative and less competitive learning able to instigate changes in the society
in which we live. The World Social Forum and the circles dedicated to teaching and
learning; the small circles as well as the big circles discussed here are considered
pedagogical because they teach and they have in common the cooperation and
the challenge to overcome individualism that results in a limitless competitiveness
that comes from neoliberal globalization or the triumph of capitalism. When they
are structured in this way they form strengthening nucleus of the communities in
face of the individualism that is observed mainly in the western society, which
denies any form of ethics because ethics presupposes the other. What arises in
the beginning of this century is a fragile and weakened communitarian life that
allows corruption, insecurity and social lack of control. The circles described here
constitute models to confront the lack of social arrangement and to strengthen the
communities and their whole, the society.
